AARP Minnesota Age-Friendly Hub

AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities 
The state of Minnesota and a growing number of communities in the state are members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which helps local leaders meet the needs of their community's older adults and respond to the rapid aging of the U.S. population. The common thread among the enrolled members is the belief that the places where we live are more livable and better able to support people of all ages when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between. The work that happens within the network — which is a program within the larger AARP Livable Communities initiative — is hands-on and locally determined and directed.

Learn more about member states, counties, cities, towns and universities below. Enrollment is a commitment by local leaders and residents to engage in a five-year cycle to assess their current state, develop an informed plan, and implement improvements creating better places to live for people of all ages. Each community is in a different stage in the process, and new communities are joining the Network regularly.

Community Challenge Grants

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Funded efforts aim to foster community engagement, enhance local housing and transportation options, improve public spaces and support ("smart cities") solutions.

Age-Friendly Minnesota Hosts Regional Exchanges This Fall

Join AARP Minnesota at one of six Age-Friendly Regional Exchanges this fall to learn, connect, and help shape the future of aging in our state.

Small Grants Give Communities a Big Boost

A new electric trishaw for a nonprofit in Iowa City, Iowa, a ride-on-demand program for older adults in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and digital literacy classes for residents in multiple Kentucky locales are among the projects funded by 2025 AARP Community Challenge grants.

2025 Community Challenge Grant Recipients

Six communities throughout Minnesota will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.

Free Walkability Tool Kit from AARP

In too many communities across Minnesota, people can’t safely walk to where they need or want to go due to a lack sidewalks, crosswalks or other safety features that make streets safe for pedestrians and drivers.

QUESTIONS: Contact Jay Haapala at jhaapala@aarp.org.